Under-20 men's field finalized, draw for summer event is April 26.

(Tuesday, April 3, 2001) -- The 24-nation field is set for the 2001 World Youth Championship for under-20 men to be played June 17-July 8 at four venues in Argentina. The draw will be held April 26 in Buenos Aires.

Four teams from Africa completed the field. The African Youth Championships produced more than its fair share of surprises with powerhouses Nigeria, Cameroon and South Africa eliminated while Angola and Ethiopia qualified for the first time. Angola topped Ghana 2-0 in the final while Egypt topped Ethiopia 2-0 to grab third place.

The United States will appear for the eighth time since the biennial world tournament began in 1977. The best American finish came in 1989 with advancement to the semifinals behind current national-team goalkeeper Kasey Keller who was awarded the Silver Ball as the tournament's second most valuable player.

In 1999, the U.S. shocked England 1-0 in group play and advanced to the round of 16, falling to eventual champion Spain 3-2. The U.S. also lost in group play to Japan which was Spainís victim in the final.

Brazil, Australia, Argentina, Japan and Costa Rica are the only five countries to qualify for each of the last four World Youth Championships.